Colon cancer signs in women that are often ignored as MAFS's Mel Schilling shares update on diagnosis

On Thursday (12 March), Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling shared with her fans the latest update regarding her cancer journey.

She took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post to her 379k followers, explaining that her colon cancer, which she was diagnosed with back in December 2023, has now spread to her brain.

The 54-year-old dating coach explained that her colon cancer was first discovered during a scan after doctors found a tumour 'the size of a lemon'.

While the tumour was 'successfully removed' and she was given the 'all clear', Mel unfortunately received some bad news in February the following year, as she wrote in the post's caption: "During a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised, and my world changed again in an instant.

"Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026.

"Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing."

MAFS star Mel Schilling issued fans a health update yesterday (Kate Green/BAFTA / Contributor / via Getty)

The reality TV star then outlined two symptoms she later experienced, which were 'blinding headaches' and 'numbness down my right side'.

"Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side. After many tests, I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do," Mel continued, adding that 'hearing those words changes everything'.

She explained that her light is 'starting to fade — and quickly', adding: "But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love."

Mel's colon cancer has now spread to her brain (Instagram/@mel_schilling1)

Acknowledging that 'simple tasks have become incredibly difficult', she carried on: "I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people."

She rounded off the announcement, urging anyone reading to get checked as soon as they notice 'something doesn't feel right'.

"If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life," she said, before sharing a special tribute to her husband, Gareth, and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie.

"These two beside me are my everything," she concluded. "With love and gratitude, Mel."

Mel urged her fans to get checked as soon as they notice 'something doesn't feel right' (Getty Stock Images)

Mofitt Cancer Center has outlined several symptom of colon cancer in women.

The experts note: "While colon cancer symptoms are generally similar for men and women, women may sometimes overlook symptoms as they are similar to those experienced during menstruation, menopause, or common gastrointestinal issues."

According to the health centre, women should be aware of the following potential warning signs:

• Abdominal Discomfort: Persistent cramping, bloating, or abdominal pain that does not coincide with the menstrual cycle could be a sign of colon cancer.
• Changes in Bowel Habits: Irregular bowel movements, constipation, or diarrhea that lasts more than a few days should not be dismissed as normal digestive issues.
• Unexplained Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lethargic without an obvious cause could signal an underlying issue, including colon cancer.
• Rectal Bleeding or Blood in Stool: Blood from the rectum or present in stool is never normal and should be evaluated.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: If you’re losing weight without trying or noticing a decrease in appetite, this could be a red flag for cancer.

You can find out more about colon cancer on the official NHS website here.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.